Proficiency Module Syllabus
P703 – Management and Assessment of Exposure to
Hand-Arm Vibration
Introduction: This proficiency module is one of a group of modules designed to provide a basic understanding
of the nature, measurement and effects of exposure to noise and vibration.
Aim:
To provide an understanding of the methodology, theoretical and practical knowledge in order
to:
 Appreciate the nature of hand-arm vibration [HAV] hazards in the workplace
 Appreciate the need to protect employees from hand-arm vibration syndrome [HAVS]
 Advise and assist employers to meet their legal duties regarding HAV in accordance with
current HSE guidance.
Learning
Outcomes:
On successful completion of this proficiency module the student should be able to: Outline the requirements of current legislation on exposure to hand-arm vibration
 Identify situations where HAV hazards exist and assess the risk
 Discuss basic techniques for the control of vibration exposure, and identify areas where
vibration reduction is required
 Assess, and where relevant measure, the effectiveness of vibration control measures
 Evaluate the daily vibration exposures of employees from information about measured
vibration magnitudes and work patterns
 Explain the uses and limitations of personal protective equipment
 Explain the role and purpose of health surveillance with respect to HAVS.
Content:
Topic
1
2
3
4
5
Introduction to Hand-Arm Vibration
Legal Duties
Vibration Exposure and Risk Assessment
Control
Practical
Time Allocation
15%
10%
25%
30%
20%
Prior
Knowledge:
Candidates for this course are expected to have some basic knowledge of the measurement
and assessment of hand arm vibration assessment.
Note:
Reference is made in this syllabus to HSE guidance or other documentation. This may not be
the most up-to-date relevant publications from HSE/other sources and is intended as guidance
for candidates only.
1 Introduction of Hand-Arm Vibration (15%)
Educational
The student should be able to understand the complex nature of HAV exposures in the
Objectives:
workplace, the nature of the health effects of HAV and the consequences of excessive exposure
on the employer’s business.
1.1 Basics of Vibration
Introduction to vibration
Continuous vibration and shock
HAV versus Whole Body Vibration
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Time averaging, rms acceleration
Units of measurement – acceleration, velocity and displacement
Frequency and frequency weighting
Calculation of daily exposure.
1.2
Health Effects of HAV
Hand-arm vibration syndrome
Neurological component
Vascular component
 Vibration white finger [VWF]
 Dose-effect relationships in standards, A(8).
Musculoskeletal component
Carpal tunnel syndrome
1.3
Effects on Business
Lost time
Insurance premiums
Claims
Redeployment and retraining
Productivity.
2 Legal Duties (10%)
Educational
The student should be able to understand the requirements of relevant national legislation as it
Objectives:
applies to HAVS and should be able to apply this understanding to workplace activities in order
to determine the duties of the employer and to advise accordingly.
2.1 Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Assessment of risk in order to determine a control strategy
Exposure standards
 Exposure limit value
 Exposure action value
Control of exposure
 Consideration of alternative processes
 Selection of equipment
 Maintenance of equipment
Information, instruction and training for employees
Consultation with employees.
Health surveillance
Reporting occupational diseases – RIDDOR.
2.2
Duties of Machinery Manufacturers and Suppliers
Design of low vibration equipment
Supply of information on vibration emission and safe use of equipment.
2.3
Relevant Regulations
 The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005)
 The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (1998)
 The Personal Protective Equipment Regulations (1992)
 The Workplace (Health Safety & Welfare) Regulations (1992)
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

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (1995)
The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, as amended (1992).
3 Vibration Exposure and Risk Assessment (25%)
Educational
The student should be able to demonstrate their understanding of, and ability to evaluate,
Objectives:
exposures and to determine the associated risks.
3.1 Exposure Assessment
Evaluation of exposure and assessment of risk
Dose-response relationship for HAV
Determining vibration magnitudes:
 Manufacturer’s guidance and emission data and its interpretation
 Use of vibration information
 Limitations of information (accuracy and applicability)
 Measurement of vibration.
Use of the Exposure Points System
Determining exposure patterns and duration
Determining daily vibration exposure
Precision/uncertainties.
3.2
Measuring Vibration Magnitude
Current standards – BS EN ISO 5349-1 : 2001, BS EN ISO 5349-2 : 2001
Instrumentation
 Instruments available and standards for their specification e.g. ISO 8041
 Transducers – mounting methods, single axis v. triaxial arrangements, effect of mass, etc
 Sources of measurement artefact – d.c. shifts, overloads, transducer movement, etc
 Use of mechanical filters
 Calibration
 Sampling of activities for measurement.
Limitations of accuracy, repeatability and applicability of measured vibration magnitudes.
Measuring vibration exposure to both hands.
Reporting of results.
4 Control (30%)
Educational
The student should be able to determine from the evaluation of exposure, and assessment of
Objectives:
risk, the need for risk reduction and be able to advise on an appropriate strategy for controlling
exposures. They should be able to monitor the effectiveness of control measures.
4.1 Control of Risk
Elimination or reduction of vibration exposure
 Selection of the process (equipment, operation and workplace environment)
 Selection and maintenance of tools and equipment
 Equipment modifications
 Reduction of exposure duration
Reducing risk by other means
 Blood circulation improvement
 PPE
 Grip and push forces
 Operator training -Information, instruction and training to employees about the risks, correct
use of equipment and risk control
 Abstinence from smoking
Case studies.
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4.2
Monitoring the Effectiveness of a Control Programme
Regular review of risk assessments
Regular review of management actions and control measures
Health surveillance
 Management of a tiered health surveillance programme
 Questionnaires
 Clinical interview and medical examinations
 Management of affected workers.
5 Practical (20%)
Educational
The student should be able to understand the principles, and practicalities, of systems that give
Objectives:
rise to HAVS.
5.1 Practical Knowledge
The student should be able to carry out measurements of vibration levels and to determine the effect
of control measures. They should be able to describe the limitations of the measurements and the
control measures. They should be able to understand the crucial importance of ergonomic aspects of
the design of equipment and its use in the workplace.
Relevant Documentation
i
HSE Guidance HS(G)88 Hand-Arm Vibration
ii
HSE Guidance HS(G)170 Vibration
Course Length
It is envisaged that this course will be conducted over 4 days which includes the examination and the practical
assessment.
This course will require approximately 24 hours’ study time, of which at least 18 hours will be taught (teaching
and practical). The additional study time will be required in the candidates’ own time.
Course Examination/Assessment
The students will be assessed as follows:
1. A 75 minute BOHS examination consisting of 35 short answer questions.
2. A formative practical assessment carried out by the course provider (see below).
3. Submission two acceptable reports, etc.
Formative Practical Assessment Measurement of Hand-Arm Vibration Levels
Candidates Individual Assessment must include:
 Undertake HAV measurements on tools
 Understanding of HAV risk assessments
 Evidence of Field Proficiency A full understanding of the numbers produced by the tests (e.g.
what is an acceptable vibration magnitude for the application? Recognising artefacts such as a d.c
shift, and what to do about it, etc).
Candidates are required to demonstrate that they have carried out, possibly under supervision, two handarm vibration assessments, which must include measurements of vibration magnitudes. A copy of each of
these two relevant reports must be submitted to BOHS within six months of receiving notice of performance
in the written examination and practical assessment. (Please refer to current guidance).
Successful completion of the above will lead to a:
‘PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATE‘ in
Management and Assessment of Exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration
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